What does the Bible say about self doubt?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that self-doubt is met not by trusting ourselves more, but by resting in God’s character, promises, and enabling grace. God’s plans for his people are good and hopeful, even when we cannot see the way forward (Jeremiah 29:11). In Christ, believers receive not a spirit of fear but power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7), and are called to be strong in the Lord rather than in their own ability (Ephesians 6:10). God works in his children both to will and to act for his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Through prayer, thankful dependence, and disciplined attention to what is true, his peace guards troubled hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-9).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Jeremiah 29:11 10 votes
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 9 votes
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Ephesians 6:10 3 votes
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
- John 3:16 3 votes
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- Philippians 2:13 3 votes
For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
- Ruth 3:11 3 votes
Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman.
- Philippians 4:6-9 3 votes
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
- Psalms 118:24 3 votes
This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 3 votes
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love.
- Isaiah 26:3 3 votes
You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.
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